Warhammer Online is a game that focuses heavily on large scale PvP skirmishes. Players can join instances battlegrounds right after character creation and even sections of the beginner zones have open PvP enabled between the two warring realms. The graphics and gameplay are similar to Blizzard's mega hit World of Warcraft but have a much more realistic feel. The game's story centers around the ongoing conflict between the realms of Order (Dwarves, High Elves, The Empire) and Chaos (Dark Elves, Greenskins, Chaos.) Each race has its own version of the four class archetypes*:

Tank - The tank's main role is to adsorb damage and keep the enemy's from focusing on less fortified allies. Tanks use heavy armor and either a one handed weapon and shield or a two handed weapon.

Melee DPS - The classic Rogue archetype. Melee DPS classes have less armor and health than tanks but can dish out far more damage in a given amount of time. They often have abilities that disable, slow, or hinder their target's mobility.

Ranged DPS - This category encompasses both classes that use magic and those that wield magic. These classes generally have low armor and health and must stay at a safe distance to be effective. Often Ranged DPS classes rely on the protection of melee oriented archetypes.

Healer - Healers are the supportive classes of WAR. They possess the ability to heal and buff their allies but can also cast offensive spells. Healers excel in large scale fights but are less effective in solo combat.

* Some classes are gender specific for certain races.